Guarded optimism for Ainge, Celtics

WALTHAM -- The Celtics officially introduced draft acquisition Rajon Rondo at a press conference yesterday with all the Jersey-held-high photo ops, all the easy questions, and all the praise-filled remarks that traditionally constitute such events.

But through no fault of his own, Rondo was not the rail-thin, long-armed guard with a penchant for fearless drives to the basket that everyone had on their minds. That distinction belonged to Allen Iverson. As Rondo propped his 6-foot-1-inch, 161-pound frame behind a microphone alongside executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge and owner Steve Pagliuca, it was natural to wonder if Iverson would similarly position his 6-foot, 165-pound frame sometime in the near future.

Ainge made it clear the Celtics will actively pursue deals throughout the summer. He made the initial phone call to the Sixers regarding Iverson. Boston seemed particularly eager to complete a deal in subsequent talks with Philadelphia, according to league sources familiar with both sides of the conversations. But according to a team source, that interest has cooled for the time being. The start of free agency negotiations tomorrow opens trade possibilities on a number of fronts.

``Maybe in July [my pursuit of trades] will reconvene," said Ainge, noting he was not speaking specifically about Iverson. ``I will look to improve my team, but probably not today or tomorrow, probably after the Fourth of July weekend. We've gotten through the draft, where teams were ready to move and do some deals. Then, everybody usually calms down. Once free agency starts up again, we'll have more conversations."

There might be other reasons the Iverson deal is in a holding pattern. League sources said Sixers president Billy King wants more than what Ainge has offered. Prior to the draft, Wally Szczerbiak and Gerald Green were mentioned in a possible deal. The Celtics have more appealing chips to offer today than they did two days ago.

League sources said a deal for Iverson would almost certainly involve a third team and possibly a sign-and-trade scenario, again technically delaying hardcore negotiations until the start of free agency. Any additional parties would help make the numbers work. Iverson will earn $18.2 million next season.

If Boston cannot find a mix of players to suit King, then Philadelphia might find a suitor elsewhere, preferably outside its division. Think Western Conference franchises. Denver, Golden State and Memphis reportedly have shown interest. Until talk about acquiring Iverson turns substantial, Ainge will keep quiet.

``I can't speak about anything," said Ainge. ``I do not discuss trade possibilities."

But Ainge was happy to discuss Rondo and what he can bring to the Celtics as part of a young group of point guards. Like general manager Chris Wallace, Ainge sees similarities between Rondo and the Spurs' Tony Parker. Parker struggled with his shot coming out of France, then led the league in points in the paint this season because of his tough-to-guard penetrating ability. The Celtics hope for a similar career trajectory for Rondo, who struggled with his shot at Kentucky but impressed Ainge with his speed, basketball intelligence, leadership skills, and ballhandling.

``With the right technique and right experience and good coaching, I think that Rajon can get in the paint," said Ainge, who reminded those in attendance that Rondo was projected as the No. 1 pick by some when the 2006-07 college season started. ``We can find ways for him to get in the paint and make plays for others. He's also a great finisher inside the paint like Tony Parker. He's got that excellent floating shot from 6 or 7 feet. The comparisons are legitimate."

Ainge can add confidence and competitiveness to the list of impressive qualities Rondo possesses. He did not shy from question about starting, or how he felt about being drafted on the same night the Celtics acquired another young point guard, Sebastian Telfair.

When asked if he thought he was capable of starting, Rondo said, ``Definitely. We've got two great point guards coming in this year. I'm looking forward to competing and giving it my all. It's a great fit [for Telfair and myself]. We're both fast and the game is changing. It's a more uptempo game now. We can play at the same time. There doesn't have to be competition between me and Sebastian. We all complement each other."

Ainge accomplished another coup when Villanova guard Allan Ray agreed to join Boston's summer league team. The Celtics were surprised Ray was not drafted, and Ainge believes he has a shot at making the team's regular-season roster. Nebraska forward Wes Wilkinson and Clemson forward Akin Akingbala will also compete for the Celtics' summer league entry in Las Vegas. In addition to Rondo, current Celtics expected to compete in the summer league include Telfair, Jefferson, Green, Ryan Gomes, and Dwayne Jones. In preparation for summer league play, the Celtics begin a brief summer training camp Monday, when Telfair will be officially introduced . . . Former Boston scout and assistant Paul Cormier joined the Memphis coaching staff as an assistant.